Our Wonderful Thanksigiving!

This is going to be long - and have lots of pictures - but, I want to make sure I recap our wonderful visit to Mississippi for Kate's first Thanksgiving!

We loaded up the card around 7:30pm last Monday night to start our 445 mile drive to Jackson, MS.  Kate fell asleep right before we put her in the car and stayed asleep until we pulled into Alex's parent's driveway.  Can I tell you how awesome 7 hours without an awake baby with my husband was?  It was wonderful to talk, catch up, joke around, and just enjoy each other's company without having to stop mid sentence and tend to a baby.  And, it was extra awesome because neither of us was stressed wondering if Kate was ok - we knew she was since she was just in the back seat!

Tuesday was a laid back, hang out at the house kind of day.  Alex and I were exhausted from driving all night and Kate was a bit out of sorts being in a new environment.  As you can tell from this picture, Kate and Alex were a bit cranky from the drive.

Alex and his Dad went fishing on Wednesday while Mrs. Cheryl (my MIL) and I did some shopping.  I got a new iPhone 4 and picked up some precious clothes for Kate!  Alex's great Aunt and Uncle (Nellnee and James) stopped by the house to meet Kate later that day but she was a bit cranky.

We spent Thanksgiving day at Alex's Grandmother's house.  Mrs. Williamson loved loving on sweet Kate. 

Alex, Kate, and Mrs. Williamson

Kate

Friday afternoon we headed to Nell and James' house for lunch.

Me and my sweet girl!

James played with Kate on the floor for such a long time!  It was so cute to watch!  She would roll to her back and he would flip her back over...over and over again!

Kate took a little nap on her Nellnee!

 
Alex's Grandmother, Aunt, and Uncle drove up to Jackson on Saturday for the day.  It was wonderful to visit with them - and extra wonderful that we didn't have to make the drive down to Brookhaven!

Bebe (Alex's mom), Great MaMaw (Alex's Grandmother), Kate, and Poppy (Alex's Aunt)

Bebe loves Kate!

Bebe, PaPaw, and Kate!

My sweet family!  And why did I think horizontal stripes would be cute

 3 months after having a baby?

Giving PaPaw some smiles!

Sunday morning we left Jackson to make the 2.5 hour drive to the Coast to have lunch with my grandmother, uncle, and cousin.  It was wonderful to visit with them!

Me, Uncle Johnny, Kate, and Nana

My grandmother would not look up at the camera - she just wanted to look at Kate!

After lunch we drove an hour to my home town for a quick visit.  We got back on the road around 5pm to head back to Houston.  We got stuck in a horrible traffic jam in Baton Rouge but, made it back home around midnight. 

We had such a wonderful time visiting our family and introducing Kate to everyone! 

Twins!

So, I get comments all the time about how Kate looks just like me.  Well, I'm here to tell you that this is just not the case.

I got my hands on Alex's baby pictures while here in Jackson and OMG - they are identical.  She may have my fair skin and blue eyes but, everything else is ALL daddy!

Here's the proof!

I promise to recap our trip soon.  We've just been so busy and we are still in Mississippi!  We are off to the Coast to visit my family tomorrow and then we are making our way back to Texas!

So Thankful!

This year I am so thankful for my sweet husband and amazing daughter.  I seriously could not have made it through some of the things I have dealt with, and am currently dealing with, without Alex by my side and Kate's sweet smiles.

I took this just a few minutes ago after a long day visiting family!  I'll recap our trip soon!

Pear Tree Greetings Winner!

I am just now getting around to selecting the winner for the Pear Tree giveaway. 

We decided to head out of town a day early so we are recovering from a long drive all last night.  Night driving was the key and Kate slept the entire way!!!

So, on to the winner!

I used random.org.  There were 25 entries (one comment didn't count as an entry as it was someone just leaving their e-mail address).

My sweet friend Brittany was lucky #16!  I hope we make the Christmas card cut so I can see what you buy!!  I'll e-mail you the instructions on how to redeem your $30 gift certificate in the next few days!

For those of you that did not win - be sure to check out Pear Tree's Promo Code Page for discounts on all of your favorite paper products!!

Christmas Came Early for Kate!

So, you know how I said the jumperoo was going to be a Christmas present?

Well, Christmas came early in our house!  I just couldn't stand it and busted it out of the box last night.

Kate is a bit to short (and young I think) to really get the jumping down but she loves hanging out in it and watching the lights.  We have a pillow under her feet so they don't dangle!

Now I get to pick something else out for one of her Christmas gifts!

Happy Three Months!!!

I cannot believe that Kate is 3 months old today!  Time is flying by!

I had to do a bloomers only picture to show off all of her new chub!  Kate is finally starting to pack on the pounds.  We are still having some issues - but they are not nearly as bad as they were.  It is amazing to see how much she is growing now that she is keeping down most of her food!

Here's what she's up to:
*She probably weights 11 pounds now!
*She is about 23 inches long!
*She wears size 1 diapers and is still in some NB clothes but has to wear 0-3m sleepers for length
*Is still a rolling machine (but only tummy to back).  Tummy time ends up looking like this these days:

*She is smiling like crazy but it is SO hard to capture on camera.  I took this with my phone today - it doesn't show how big her smile gets but, it will have to do!

*She loves whistling.  Too bad I suck at whistling.  My poor attempts do get smiles though - so I guess it will work for now!
*She is grabbing toys and playing with them.  She also loves to have intense conversations with the lady bug that hangs down from her bouncer.

*She is sitting with support (like a boppy)

I think this stage us my favorite so far!  We've had a rough few months but she is smiley and so fun these days!!

And, just because I think it is cute - this is the view of the back of her diaper cover!  A true Southern girl has a monogram on her bum under her smocked dresses!

Just a cute picture!

Pear Tree Greetings Giveaway: $30 Gift Certificate!!!

This month, Pear Tree Greetings is offering an awesome giveaway to all of my readers!  As a thank you to their customers, Pear Tree is offering one lucky reader a $30 gift certificate (in the form of an on-line redemption code) that can be used on ANYTHING on Pear Trees website!

With Christmas right around the corner, this giveaway would be great to put towards your personalized Christmas cards!  It would also be great to use on personalized stationery to give to a wonderful friend or family member this holiday season!

No matter how you plan on using it, you will be so happy with your decision as all of Pear Tree's products are simply wonderful!

I wanted to take a minute to let you all know about Operation Gratitude.  This year, Pear Tree is offering teachers the opportunity to register their class (up to 30 students) to participate in this wonderful service project.  Pear Tree will send color in thank you Christmas cards to the first 2,500 teachers that register.  Students across America can color in these cards and write a thank you notes to be sent to our Troops overseas.  This is a wonderful way to teach children the value of hand written thank you notes all while thanking the amazing men and women who have sacrificed immensely for our country.  If you are a teacher, or know any teachers, please consider registering your class for Operation Gratitude. 

I also want to mention that Pear Tree has partnered with the American Cancer Society and designed six exclusive Christmas Cards - 100% of the proceeds of these six cards will go directly to the American Cancer Society.

To enter simply leave a comment on this post letting my know what you would purchase if you won!  For a second entry, leave another comment telling me what you are thankful for this year - it can be anything!

All entries must be made by Monday, November 22 at 7pm CST.  I will randomly select the winner that night and will post the winner information before we head out of town on Tuesday.  Please leave your e-mail (if I don't have it) so that I can contact you if you win!

Rollin, Rollin, Rollin!

We have a roller!

Tummy time started off normal tonight.

Then, Kate started to lay on her side

Next thing I know, she is on her back crying. 

She absolutely hates her back so that is why she was crying!

I put her back on her belly and she rolled over 3 more times!  Way to go Kate!

A quick update on her tummy - she is doing awesome on her new meds and is keeping so much more down!  I can already tell that she is starting to pack on the weight now that she is getting more nutrients!  I'm betting my little petite baby will be a porker by Christmas!

Kates new milestones!

Kate has been doing some new, fun things this week and I wanted to document them!

Alex has been out of town for his Grandfather's services.  Everything happened so quick and it was just too much to embark on a 7+ hour drive (and that's 7+ hours without a baby) - especially since we will be making the drive in a little over a week for Thanksgiving - so he went on without us.

This morning, I called Alex while I was getting ready and put him on speaker.  As soon as Kate heard his voice she started smiling and cooing.  It was so cute!  I wish I had it on video!  She was so happy when her daddy got home this afternoon!

Another new thing is sitting up!  Obviously she is not sitting unassisted.  However, she will sit for about 3-5 minutes at a time only using her Bobby as support. Her core strength is amazing!  And, she looks to tiny in her boppy.

This morning we went to breakfast with my good friend Melissa!  Kate was wonderful.  And, she starting grabbing for, and holding toys today!  She has a pink poodle that hangs from her car seat that she has never been interested in. Well,  I guess it looked enticing today as she spend a solid 20 minutes play with this poodle before falling asleep!

I know these are all minor things but, it is exciting (and a bit sad) to see her growing up so much!  She is so interactive these days and I love it!

Sad Day

Alex and I got word late last night that his grandfather passed away.  Mr. Williamson has been very ill but, this loss is still painful and very sad.

Mr. Williamson was a wonderful man.  He loved his family, he loved Mrs. Williamson's cooking (especially her sweets - but who doesn't love her sweets?), and he loved Ole Miss football.  I forgave him for the fact that he cheered for the wrong team!

He always told the best stories and was a complete joy to be around.  I feel so blessed to have been a part of his life for the past 7.5 years.

I am thankful that he is no longer in pain however, we wish he would have been able to meet Kate.  We know that he loved her - he had pictures of her all over his room at the nursing home and loved when we would send more to him! I am also sad that Kate won't have the opportunity to get to know him - but I know we will tell her all about him and how wonderful he was!

I know for a fact that Mr. Williamson was blessed to hear Matthew 25:21 - "Well done, good and faithful servant!  Come and share your Master's happiness!" a he entered the gates of heaven and I am comforted in knowing he is free of pain and in a much better place.

If you could please keep Alex's family in your thoughts and prayers in the coming days I would really appreciate that.

Cutie Pie!

I took this with my phone tonight!  Kate love to hang out with Daddy and watch the news!  She is totally enamored by the TV and would not stop watching it to look at me for the picture.

We had an appointment with a Pediatric GI today.  It looks like Kate's stomach is emptying too slow which is causing all of the projectile vomiting she is having.  We are starting a new medication for a week to see how she does.  If it helps, and we see some improvement, she will stay in this medicine.  If it doesn't help we will have to look into some other things. 

I'm just glad to have a plan!!

Kate loves her puppies!

All three of my babies!

Trying to get Sadie girl

Splish Splash!!

We love bath time here at our house!  If Kate is having a bad day (which seems to be happening a lot lately), I know I can count on bath time being quiet and filled with smiles!  Too bad my little stinker stops smiling the second she sees a camera!

I took some pictures of bath time tonight!

Kate started off by playing with the baby in the mirror while Daddy got her bath water warm and ready.

When the water was ready, she got to get in her bath - she was super excited and was splashing with her feet!

She loves when we pour water over her head.  I used to be so careful as to not get water in her eyes and one day I accidentally poured some on her face - and she thought it was the greatest thing ever!

Just hanging out in the bath

Getting nice and clean!  She tries to eat the soap when I wash her face!

Ready for lotion, jammies, swaddle, bottle, and bed!

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Happy Birthday Daddy! 

Momma told me it was your special day so, I thought I would let you know a few reasons why you are the best Daddy ever!

You were the first one to hold me.  And, even though it was your first time to ever hold a newborn, you didn't show it.  You held me perfectly and proudly.  I couldn't meet Momma for a few hours after I was born but it was OK because I was in your arms.

You were eager to learn how to change my diapers even though they were super gross at first.

You go to work every day and work so hard so that momma can stay home with me for a long time.  And you are excited to see me when you get home - I love how you kiss my forehead every time you come back from work.

You make up silly songs to sing to me.  They are way better than the songs momma makes up.  She is too serious with her singing.

You always cuddle me when I am waiting to see the doctor.  You make sure I am comfy and warm after the mean nurse makes momma take all of my clothes off so I can be weighed.

You like to talk to me and ask how my day was. 

I love that you always smile super big whenever you get your picture made with me.  It makes me feel like you are proud of me and that makes me feel extra special.

And most importantly, I love how I already know that the safest place in this entire world will always be in your hands.

I love you and am so thankful that you are my Daddy!  Happy Birthday!!

Love,
Katie Beth

We love to stand!!

I was trying to take pictures of Kate today with her sitting on the couch.  She was not a fan.  So, I tried to see if she would stand up against the arm of the couch since standing is her new favorite thing.

Success!

I have a feeling I will be seeing a look similar to this when she is a teenage. 

So much attitude!

Getting excited about standing up!  But of course her smiles go away as soon as the camera comes out.

Standing like a big girl!

Back to being serious...

And of course no photo shoot is complete without a mega spit up.  This one ran down the couch and splatter on the floor leaving a circle about 3.5 - 4 inches in diameter.  Oh the joys of a baby with reflux issues!

Family pictures are on for tomorrow!  I still don't have an outfit.  It is rainy and cool here today and I didn't really want to get Kate out in it.  So, hopefully I will be able to find something tomorrow.

Deal of the Day - Jumperoo!

I know, I know - two posts in one day!  But, I just had to share this awesome deal on Amazon!

The Fisher Price Rainforest Jumperoo is on sale on Amazon for $67!  That is super cheap!  So, if you have a little one that will use this awesome toy now or in the future - go buy one!  All of my mom friends say this is a must have!

We are getting one for Kate and we're going to try to put it up for Christmas.  However, I'm betting it will be busted out of the box before December 25!

Rain, Rain, Go Away!

Our photo session was rescheduled due to bad weather.  We are taking our pictures in a park that has an awesome view of the Houston skyline. 

Black storm clouds and frizzy hair isn't the look I am going for.  So, we are praying for better weather on Thursday!

The silver lining - I now have more time to find the perfect outfit!

BTW - Sweet Kate is trying SO hard to be a thumb sucker.  She just doesn't quite get how to pop her thumb out of her fist and stick it in her mouth.  So, she sucks on her fist until she gets good and mad then finally lets me put the paci in.  I'm betting she has thumb sucking down pat by the end of the week.  Not sure how I feel about that one...

Random Brain Dump

So much going on....

*I stepped in dog poop while working out this morning.  I was at my mommy fitness class and we were running on a trail in the park.  I didn't realize I had dog poop all in my shoe until I was sitting in the Pediatrician's office and smelled it.  Don't judge.

*Kate decided to up my smelliness by adding spit up into the post work out sweat, dog poop mix.  Two words: Hot Mess. 

*We had a follow up appointment today and sweet girl is just not gaining weight (she only gained 2 ounces in 7 days).  Her spitting up is totally OOC.  I'm talking - we will need to replace a couch because it stinks and cannot be salvaged due to her projectile vomiting.  It literally just shoots right out of her mouth.  If we are standing up while holding her it will splatter on the floor.  We are hoping to figure something out before her lack of weight gain becomes a bigger issue.

*Due to some issues we had this weekend the did a finger prick and a white blood cell count.  The results came back wonky which sent us to the lab for lab work.  Um, they took blood from my child's arm.  No heel prick.  Straight up stuck a needle into her arm just like a big person.  I cried.  She went into hysterics.   Look at her little bandage.

*We have our Christmas Card photo shoot with Kelli Nicole tomorrow evening.  My outfit currently resides at the mall.  Meaning I have nothing to wear and will be shopping tomorrow.  Also, it hasn't rained in months but we have rain in the forecast tomorrow.  Just my luck.

*I have lost even more weight - yet my hips will not shrink.  I think they are forever wide - who am I kidding - wider (they were wide to begin with) thanks to my child.  She's totally worth it though.

*Alex's birthday is Friday!  We cannot wait to celebrate Daddy!! 

*We are heading back to Mississippi this month to meet all of our Mississippi family (my grandmother, uncles, cousins, and Alex's extended family)!

*Kate will be making her first trip to Disney World in about 1.5 months!  She will also be meeting my brother, sister, brother-in-law, and nephews during this visit!  We are pumped!  And I am terrified that I am flying with her by myself for the first time!  She will also experience (fake) snow for the first time at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party!  us Southerners take what we can get in the snow department!